January 24, 2013
Lieutenant Gregg Hastings
Public Information Officer
Oregon State Police
On January 23, 2013 at approximately 9:37 a.m., an OSP sergeant and trooper stopped two separate vehicles traveling together eastbound on Highway 20 near milepost 158 for several unspecified traffic violations. The lead vehicle was a 1999 Toyota Camry driven by COLBY RAY TAPP, age 24, accompanied by passenger TYSON PETERSON, age 25, both from Salt Lake City, Utah. They were followed by a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by SANDRA TAPP, age 47, from Francis, Utah. It was during the course of the traffic stop that the troopers learned the two vehicles were traveling together to Salt Lake City.
Subsequent investigation during the traffic stops, with the assistance of a Harney County Sheriff's Office drug detection dog that responded to the scene with its handler, led to the discovery of approximately 69 pounds of marijuana in large duffel bags in the back of the Chevrolet Trailblazer. Estimated value of the seized marijuana is $170,000.
The three people were taken into custody without further incident and lodged in the Harney County Jail for Unlawful Possession, Distribution, and Manufacture of a Controlled Substance - Marijuana. Bail is initially set at $150,000.